A debate on tackling racism and racial inequality has taken place in the National Assembly to promote the Welsh Government’s actions on race issues.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The debate motion, put forward by the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip Jane Hutt, received cross-party approval before it was taken to the Senedd’s Chamber Tuesday afternoon.
The Deputy Minister proposed that Assembly Members:
- Support wholeheartedly the global fight to root-out racism and racist ideology
- Strive towards a more equal Wales, tackling all forms of racial inequality
- Reinvigorate Welsh Government’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD).
ICERD is the only international legal channel specifically addressing the comprehensive issues of racial discrimination and it is monitored by 18 independent experts.
It defines racial discrimination as “any distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference based on race, colour, descent, or national or ethnic origin.”
The debate also coincided with the setting up of a Cross-Party Group on Race Equality, chaired by John Griffiths.
Speaking in the Chamber, Jane Hutt said:
“We have an opportunity to add our voices to the calls from around the world for racial harmony, peace and justice especially following recent tragic events like in New Zealand.
“We must publicly condemn racism, Islamophobia, Afrophobia and antisemitism wherever it occurs, and we must take further action to tackle racial inequalities that are present in our own country.”
“Together, we must continue to build a strong and diverse society here in Wales, where people of every race, faith and colour are valued for their character and their actions. We all want to help create a peaceful and harmonious country where our children and future generations can thrive.”
Earlier this year the Welsh Government announced £2.4 million of funding to expand its Regional Community Cohesion Programme identifying and mitigating community tensions, as well as a dedicated fund for events across Wales to mark Windrush Day.